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      Arsenal 5 Manchester City 0: Gunners go top as Kim Little helps inflicts City’s worst-ever loss in the WSL

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      KIM LITTLE helped Arsenal avenge a hat-trick of losses to Man City with the Citizens falling to their heaviest ever WSL defeat. A fierce first-half strike from the retired Scotland ace was among the goals that saw Gareth Taylor’s side lose 5-0. 
      Kim Little bagged a brace with Arsenal going top of the table after beating Man CityCredit: Rex
      The Gunners consigned Man City to their worst loss in the Women’s Super LeagueCredit: Getty
      The result saw the in-form Gunners go top of the table and level on points with Tottenham ahead of their Women’s FA Cup quarters duel. 
      And it leaves a dent in City’s title hopes with the injury-hit Manchester giants falling to eighth in the table after a third successive loss before their FA Cup clash with Leicester.
      City boss Taylor said: “We’re in a difficult moment there’s no doubt about that, but I think we have to fight and will fight. 
      “I think it feels like a difficult result to take (the 5-0) because it didn’t really feel like that. 
      “When you look on the face of it with the errors that we made and the fact we didn’t take (advantage of) our good moments, then you’re going to end up with that scoreline.
      “I want to see us really up for the game (against Leicester City) on Wednesday night. I am looking for a real response.” 

      Ahead of their North London visit, Taylor described his side as a wounded animal with eight first-team regulars currently crocked. 
      And Arsenal showed little mercy taking the lead in the tenth minute. 
      They did so after Beth Mead pounced on Alanna Kennedy’s loose pass to tee up Vivianne Miedema to smash in the host’s opener.
      It took around 11 minutes more for Arsenal to double their lead with Kim Little getting on the score sheet.
      Lia Walti delivered a neat little pass to Miedema who flicked the ball on for Little. 
      And the Arsenal skipper drove into the box to whack in the host’s second past the outstretched Karima Taieb.
      City caused a couple of problems with a corner towards the first-half’s closing stages before Demi Stokes was cautioned for a tug on Miedema.
      Vivianne Miedema was on target for Arsenal after capitalising on a loose City passCredit: Reuters
      The second spell saw City attempt to get a foothold in the game with a dangerous cross from Lauren Hemp causing problems for keeper Manuela Zinsberger.
      But any chances of them getting back into it were blown away by Katie McCabe rifling in Arsenal’s third in the 60th minute following a long ball from Walti.
      Skipper Little picked up her second from the spot with 12 minutes of normal time remaining after Alex Greenwood fouled her in the box.
      And a late Leah Williamson headed goal wrapped up a memorable night for the Gunners and a tough one on the road for City.
      Jonas Eidevall says Arsenal must not get carried away by their win
      Arsenal boss Jonas Eidevall said: “We talked about putting pressure on ourselves and how we needed to perform and get better results against the top teams. 
      “I’m really happy that we’re been able to turn that around but we’re early on in the process and we still have things to develop. 
      “It’s great for the result but let’s not get carried away.”

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      Arsenal fans sing ‘Tottenham Hotspur, you’ll always be s***’ after racing into three goal lead in dream start to North London derby More

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      Arsenal goal queen Miedema hails summer signings and rejects idea of a World Cup every two years

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      VIVIANNE MIEDEMA is enjoying the ‘energy’ Arsenal’s new signings have brought to their squad.And the Gunners goal queen joked she may ‘have to retire’ if a two-yearly World Cup comes to fruition. 
      Vivianne Miedema believes Arsenal’s signings have made them a far stronger sideCredit: Rex
      The Netherlands forward was speaking ahead of her club’s home duel with Man City with Arsenal aiming to make it three wins from three games in the WSL. 
      It is a match that could see some of the team’s newest stars who include Mana Iwabuchi and former City forward Nikita Parris go up against Gareth Taylor’s side. 
      Miedema, 25, said: “It’s really fun, to be honest, being on the pitch right now. It just gives you energy. 
      “You’ve got so many amazing players around you that you want to be out there, you want to have fun and I think competition is only good for everyone. 
      “I think you can see that with Beth already right now and Keets is coming in.
      “The girls want to show what they’re capable of and that’s only going to make us stronger as a team especially with all the games we’re gonna have. 
      “We’ve got plenty of opportunities to change the team and for everyone to get minutes and for everyone to stay fit. 

      USA star Tobin Heath is among the high profile players who joined Arsenal this summerCredit: Getty
      “It’s amazing to have that quality on the pitch and we have improved a lot compared to last year.”
      Arsenal’s first WSL game at Meadow Park this term comes 17 days after Miedema netted her hundredth goal for scoring a hat-trick in their Champions League second-leg crushing of Slavia Praha. 
      And the club’s return to Europe’s top club competition will see them go up against title holders Barcelona at their home ground on October 5. 
      The Catalan giants who trounced Chelsea 4-0 in the final in June have begun their season brightly in Spain’s top-flight
      Under head coach, Jonatan Giraldez who replaced Lluis Cortez at the end of June, have won their opening three fixtures and are yet to concede a goal. 
      And Barca’s last game saw them hammer Valencia 8-0 with midfield ace Alexis Puttellas netting a hat-trick in four minutes. 
      Miedema, who has taken her goal tally to 102 for Arsenal, is relishing the chance of the Gunners pitting their skills against Europe’s top club.
      Vivianne Miedema netted her 100th goal for Arsenal this month
      The WSL star added: “I think playing against one of the best, or probably the best team in the world right now is really exciting.
      “It’s these games that you play football for. 
      “That’s what you want as a player and I think Champions League is something special. 
      “You’ve got big games in the WSL but those Champions League nights are a bit more special. 
      “These are the games that you love to play and I can’t wait to play in them.”
      Miedema, who has 104 Netherlands international caps, has joined her former national team boss Sarina Wiegman in dismissing the concept of a biennial World Cup.
      The Lionesses chief expressed concern for player welfare after being asked about plans for the tournament to be held every two years.
      On the idea of a biennial Women’s World Cup, Miedema said: “I can hardly keep up right now so I might have to retire, to be honest!
      “From a North American point of view, I get it because they want to measure themselves with the rest of the world more often.
      Miedema, like Sarina Wiegman, is not a fan of the concept of a biennial World CupCredit: Getty
      “But I think for us Europeans with the Euros being here, with the Olympics being in between, with the leagues we have, it’s just not possible. 
      “It’s not what you want as a player either.
      “You want to play the big tournaments and they need to be special and I’m definitely not a big fan of the potential new set-up. It’s not good for football.”

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      Watch Vivianne Miedema kick a ball over her head and perfectly into a basketball hoop More

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      Hemp wants Man City to make injured stars ‘proud’ with a ‘statement’ win against Arsenal

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      LAUREN HEMP tweeted she was ‘gutted’ when a hamstring injury derailed her promising start to last season Now the in-form forward wants Man City to make their crocked aces ‘proud’ by beating Arsenal.
      Lauren Hemp hopes Man City can defeat Arsenal at Meadow ParkCredit: Alamy
      Lauren Hemp netted against Arsenal when City beat them 2-1 earlier this yearCredit: Getty
      The Citizens have eight first-team regulars out including Hemp’s housemate Esme Morgan who suffered a right leg fracture during the team’s 2-1 loss to Tottenham.
      But optimist Hemp believes her title-chasing side will bounce back from their injury woes and will be ‘flying’ this season.
      The England starlet, 21, said: “It’s upsetting to see your friends go down with injuries and not be able to do the thing they love but the morale in the squad is still positive.
      “It’s important the rest of us put on performances that do our team justice and make players on the sidelines proud. It sort of gives us that extra drive to keep working hard.
      “We want to make sure we win so that when they come back (to full fitness), we can be flying.”
      Before this evening’s clash Hemp reflected on her own battle back to fitness from a hamstring issue that saw her sidelined from September until December last year.

      The forward went on to enjoy a storming finish to last season picking up six WSL goals in 15 games and a second PFA Young Player of the Year gong as City took Chelsea to the wire in the title race.
      And now the Academy Stadium heroine is keen to help team-mate Morgan who was there for her during her ‘tough period’ out of action.
      Hemp added: “When I was injured Esme looked after me and so it’s my turn now.
      “I’ve been looking after her, taking things down to her making sure she doesn’t have to lift a finger and I know she would do the same for me and has done in the past.
      “Every player goes through it at some point and it’s important to look after people when they do.
      “Hopefully everyone who is injured can get back on the pitch as quickly as possible.
      We’re ready to give it a good go and we’d love to win and make a statement that we are here to push for the leagueLauren Hemp
      “They’re in the right care here (at Man City) And we’re, we’re still excited to keep pushing and hopefully win trophies this season.”
      Hemp, who headed in a match-winning goal against the Gunners last time out, is hoping City will nab their fourth consecutive top-flight win against their rivals.
      However, the visitors face a more dangerous Arsenal side this time around boasting new attacking talent, an altered style of play and a new gaffer in Jonas Eidevall.
      Arsenal’s Nikita Parris could be set to play against her old club Man CityCredit: Getty
      Hemp added: “They’ve signed some phenomenal players and obviously we know Keets (Nikita Parris) and she’s played for City before.
      “We’re ready to give it a good go and we’d love to win and make a statement that we are here to push for the league.”
      Arsenal’s starting line-up is likely to include centurion goal scorer Vivianne Miedema who has been in superb form for the club so far this term netting three goals in two WSL games.
      The Netherlands ace has joined her ex-national team boss Sarina Wiegman in opposing proposals for a biennial World Cup and joked she may have to hang up her boots.
      Vivianne Miedema says she is not a fan of the concept of a World Cup every two yearsCredit: Getty
      Miedema told reporters: “I think for us Europeans with the Euros being there, with the Olympics being in between, with the leagues we have, it’s just not possible.
      “It’s not what you want as a player either. You want to play the big tournaments and they need to be special.
      “I’m definitely not a big fan of the potential new set-up. I think it’s not good for football.”

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      Pep Guardiola basks in Manchester City’s victory over rivals Chelsea More

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      Luxembourg 0 England 10: Bright hails ‘amazing’ team-mate Daly after Lionesses maul minnows

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      MILLIE BRIGHT paid an emotional tribute to best friend Rachel Daly as both aces netted in England’s ten-goal demolition of Luxembourg.And Bright dedicated her brace to Daly and her father Martyn, who passed away days before the game.
      Millie Bright netted twice against Luxembourg registering her first two international goalsCredit: Getty
      Bright hailed Rachel Daly’s ‘amazing’ efforts for England in their first two World Cup qualifiersCredit: Getty
      The England centre-back said: “It’s been a very, very tough week not only for Rachel but for myself and just making sure that I’m there for her every single step of the way and giving her all the strength that I’ve got. 
      “I don’t think anyone can be prepared for losing someone let alone your parents. 
      “I think one thing Rachel wanted was to make her Dad proud.
      “My God, she’s done that just by walking through those doors on the first day of camp, let alone playing two amazing games and then scoring for him. 
      “So I said straight away I dedicated both my goals to one for Rachel one for her Pops.”
      On a night that saw England honour of Jimmy Greaves, one of the nation’s greatest ever finishers, Wiegman urged her team to be more ruthless in front of goal. 

      And they responded by blitzing their opponents who are currently the 122nd best side in the world.
      England began brightly with Fran Kirby’s fourth minute out swinging corner narrowly glancing by White at the near post. 
      Ellen White opened the floodgates with her clinical five-minute brace that saw her end up three short of matching Kelly Smith’s goalscoring record of 46.
      White’s first came via a lethal Lauren Hemp cross led with the striker getting across her marker to flick her first into the bottom corner. 
      It took only a few minutes before Luxembourg’s teenage goalkeeper, Lucie Schlime was once again picking the ball out of the net.
      And it was White again burying her second into the bottom corner following a neat pass from Kirby moments ahead of Ella Toone heading an effort over the crossbar. 
      England increased their lead to three minutes before the half-hour mark with Nikita Parris’s fifteenth international goal. 
      And Alex Greenwood, in her fiftieth international game, made it four in just under forty minutes smashing in a left-footed strike.
      The second half saw no respite for Luxembourg who were reportedly playing the biggest fixture in their history in front of 1,293 fans. 
      England’s win saw them move to the top of their group for the World Cup qualifiersCredit: Getty
      Greenwood notched up another goal minutes into the second spell before the Lionesses opponents’ put the ball into the back of their own net to make it six
      As the game reached its closing stages centre-back Millie Bright netted her first two international goals with Rachel Daly scoring to take the visitors’ tally to nine.
      And Beth England netted the team’s tenth late on to wrap up the hammering of Luxembourg. 
      The result of the second of the Lionesses’ second World Cup qualifier saw them move to the top of Group D ahead of their Wembley clash with Northern Ireland.
      On the performance, Wiegman said: “I’m really happy because, as you could see in the second half there were 21 players in the final third.
      “It’s so hard to go through those small spaces and still we got 10 goals
      Sarina Wiegman’s England side will take on Northern Ireland in OctoberCredit: Getty
      “I think as a team also we have tried to create many chances through the centre, switching fields with crosses.
      “What I also saw is when we had one or two mistakes everyone was just in transition, and we won the ball back within five seconds. 
      “And that’s what teamwork is all about and I really enjoyed that.”
      England Women’s boss Sarina Wiegman takes her first training session with the Lionesses More

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      England Women’s boss Wiegman demands rethink on plans for World Cup every two years

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      SARINA WIEGMAN has repeated her warning against plans to make the World Cup a biennial event.And the Lionesses chief reckons minnows falling to devastating defeats in the women’s international game is damaging for the sport.  
      Sarina Wiegman questioned whether players would get enough rest if World Cup is held every two yearsCredit: Getty
      Wiegman, 51, was speaking a day ahead of England’s trip to Luxembourg for the second of their 10 World Cup qualifying games.
      On the ongoing arguments around switching the tournament’s timings, the England boss said “I wouldn’t do it.
      “Players are not robots so I don’t think it’s a very good idea.
      “I think it’s not very good for the players, for their welfare.
      “I think when you have all these tournaments every year where are the players going to get some rest?
      “Where are they going to recover from a very intense football year every year?
      “In Europe, it’s very well organised, we have very good competitions, we have the Euros, then you have the Olympics, then you have the World Cup, which are major tournaments for us.”

      The Lionesses’ duel with Luxembourg comes days after Armenia, the Faroe Islands and Greece all fell to brutal 10-0 drubbings against Norway, Spain and France in their group stage games.
      Wiegman, whose players beat North Macedonia 8-0 said: “We have to find a way and keep the discussion open at all times on what’s best to get the women’s game on a higher level.
      “Not just for the top teams but also for the countries that are somewhere else in their development.
      “It’s hard. These teams are developing and what you want to do is develop women’s football worldwide and also in Europe.
      “But the difference between qualities now is actually huge and it’s not very competitive when you win 8-0
      Wiegman and the Lionesses will take on Luxembourg in their second World Cup qualifying gameCredit: Getty
      “I don’t have the solution at the moment but having too many matches which finish 8-0 – or those kinds of results – that’s not good for the game.”
      When asked if more clashes between top-ranking sides was the answer, Wiegman added: “We have to keep evaluating what’s going on, if this is what we need, and we need to see the bigger picture.
      “In Europe, you have top countries who have been developing very, very much over the years.
      “And you have some countries who have just started up their women’s game or a national team, and they need improvement too.
      “But when you keep having results like this, and you can’t bring it closer within a certain amount of time, then maybe you should look at some other choices.
      Wiegman, who confirmed Leah Williamson will retain the captain’s armband against Luxembourg, says Ellen will be responsible for England’s spot-kicks.
      The Man City striker was on target from the spot for England during their drubbing of North Macedonia.
      The team have had some misfortunes with pens in some of their past international clashes going back to the 2019 Women’s World Cup in France.
      Ellen White will be responsible for taking penalties for England against LuxembourgCredit: PA
      They missed three times from the spot in the tournament before going on to finish fourth. And they also saw a spot-kick saved during a 2-1 friendly loss to Germany at Wembley.
      Wiegman added: “Ellen was very convincing with the penalty. I thought that was great.
      I left it to Leah and her (Ellen), so they decided she should take it and it was a very good choice and showed very good leadership so I was really pleased with that.”

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      Sarina Wiegman addresses Lioness fans after she arrives at St George’s Park More

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      Arsenal’s Leah Williamson ready for ‘challenge’ of leading England from midfield and hails team-mate Daly

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      LEAH WILLIAMSON is relishing the challenge of being England’s midfield enforcer after impressing in their 8-0 drubbing of North Macedonia.  And the stand-in Lionesses skipper hailed Rachel Daly for bravely turning out for the team days after the passing of her father Martyn. 
      Leah Williamson is enjoying the new challenge of being England’s midfield enforcerCredit: Rex
      Williamson says the Lionesses’ 8-0 win against North Macedonia was dedicated to Rachel Daly and her dadCredit: Getty
      Daly’s dad, who publicly celebrated his daughter’s performances for club and country, is held in high regard by the Houston Dash star’s national team-mates.
      Williamson, 24, said: “For Rachel to be able to come into this environment in such a tough time in her life, shows that we have a good group here. 
      “And the fact that she felt safe to come to us and to spend time with us, and everybody has been great rallying around her. 
      “It’s probably the toughest time that she’ll ever go through so 100% the win on Friday (against North Macedonia) was dedicated to Rachel and Rachel’s dad. 
      “And we’ll continue to support her with whatever she needs.”
      Williamson, who was given skipper’s armband after Steph Houghton’s withdrawal with an ankle injury, could be in line to lead England against Luxembourg on Tuesday. 

      The Lionesses head into their second World Cup qualifier under Sarina Wiegman at the top of their group on goal difference.  
      Austria and Northern Ireland are currently second and third following their hefty wins against Latvia and Luxembourg. 
      England’s next game could see Williamson return to the advanced role that saw her deliver a pinpoint pass to Ella Toone for the Lionesses’ opener against North Macedonia. 
      The Gunners centre-back, who captained Arsenal earlier this year, sees her midfield move as a fresh challenge and welcomes the chance to have more responsibility on the pitch. 
      I was so stressed about becoming the person I wanted to be at the end of my journey and maybe not enjoying the road so muchLeah Williamson
      Williamson added: “You’re a lot more involved in the game (at defensive centre-mid) and I just tried to be present.
      “I tried to make myself known defensively and on the ball as well, so I always enjoy when I go in there because it’s a new challenge.
      “But not taking away from the difference that it is to centre-half, so it takes some time to adjust, but it was an OK day and I worked hard, so I hope that showed.
      The Lionesses will take on Luxembourg away in the second of their Women’s World Cup qualifying gamesCredit: Rex
      “I think what I’ve learnt over the last three years, especially since the (2019) World Cup in France, is I needed to become reliable and just take some responsibility.
      “I think I was capable of doing it so I needed to make sure I proved that to other people and be what the team needs me to be.”
      Williamson, who grew up in Milton Keynes, has in the past spoken of her tough introduction to the game during childhood.
      The WSL star was the only girl on an all-boys team in Bletchley.
      And the Gunners centre-back admitted to having to wear a gumshield during some of her games as “everyone wanted to kick lumps” out of her. 
      Lionesses boss Sarina Wiegman wants England to be more clinical with their goalscoring chancesCredit: Prime Media
      However, the Arsenal ace says she would tell her younger self to enjoy the journey that has led to her wearing the Lionesses’ armband. 
      Williamson added: “I was so stressed about becoming the person I wanted to be at the end of my journey and maybe not enjoying the road so much. 
      “And if you’d have said it  (you’d be England captain) to that little girl playing football, she probably wouldn’t have believed you, so I’ll just try to stay in the moment for a little bit.”

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      Sarina Wiegman addresses Lioness fans after she arrives at St George’s Park More

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      Houghton hails sports psychologist boost for Lionesses and England’s bid to reach Women’s World Cup

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      STEPH HOUGHTON believes England having a new performance psychologist could help their quest for international glory. And the Lionesses skipper warns her team-mates need to be defensively disciplined against North Macedonia despite predictions of them trouncing the minnows. 
      Steph Houghton and her team-mates are targeting a win against North MacedoniaCredit: Getty
      England Women are aiming to qualify for the 2023 World Cup in Australia and New ZealandCredit: Getty
      Houghton, 33, was speaking ahead of England’s World Cup qualifier against the Macedonians tonight, their first game under new boss Sarina Wiegman.
      The clash comes days after the FA hired Dr Kate Hays as the team’s new performance psychology guru.  
      Houghton, who has worked with performance psychologists, said: “Getting the trust of the psychologist is really important for us going forward because we’re going to have some bad moments.
      “But we’re one hundred per cent going to have more good moments than bad. 
      “As soon as I got the armband I knew that it would be important to lean on someone, to talk about how I would be on and off the pitch. 
      “I was young when I first got given it and I knew there were going to be some tough times ahead, but also some really good times. 

      “I think it’s okay to speak out when you’re quite vulnerable and speak to someone that you trust. 
      “It’s always nice to have someone that’s quite neutral, and not really associated with the team.
      “Somebody who won’t be emotional with you and you can just bounce ideas off, explain your feelings to.”
      Hays, who advised Harlequins stars in the run-up to their 2012 Rugby Premiership triumph, will work as part of Wiegman’s support staff.
      For the England manager, Hays’ input will be important in terms of building the team’s resilience. 
      The former Netherlands boss is aiming to lead the Lionesses past the semis of a major tournament for the first time since 2009.
      Back then Hope Powell led the team to the final of the Women’s Euros where they were beaten 6-2 by Germany in Finland’s Olympic Stadium.
      Weigman, 51, said: “I talked to Kate and really clicked. What we want to do, is to get more team resilience, get some identity and have our values.
      Sarina Wiegman and England are aiming to finish top of their World Cup qualifying groupCredit: PA
      “It’s really nice to have a specialist who can bring in their qualities and knows about these things. 
      England’s duel with North Macedonia at St Mary’s will be their first match in front of fans since November 2019. 
      The encounter will also be the first of England’s Group D World Cup qualifiers with five matches more scheduled before the end of this year.
      And those clashes will be against Luxembourg, Northern Ireland, Latvia and Austria. 
      North Macedonia – who are 123 places below the Lionesses who are eighth in Fifa’s rankings  – are yet to win a game this year.
      The best teams are those that absolutely love keeping clean sheets and no matter who we play, whether it’s North Macedonia or one of the best teams in the world, it’s important that we get in that habitSteph Houghton
      And they suffered two heavy Euros qualifying losses to France in September and October last year including an 11-0 trouncing. 
      Despite these results, Houghton expects the Lionesses need to be shrewd in defence.
      And gaffer Wiegman, 51, was tight-lipped as to who she intends to start in her side or whether she intends to experiment with a youthful line-up.  
      Houghton said: “The best teams are those that absolutely love keeping clean sheets.
      Houghton expects England to keep a clean sheet against North MacedoniaCredit: PA
      “No matter who we play, whether it’s North Macedonia or one of the best teams in the world, it’s important that we get into that habit.
      Wiegman added:  “We’ll start with the game with what I think will be the best team. 
      “And we’ll see what we think is needed, who we want to see and what the score is and then decide what we’ll do.

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      Sarina Wiegman addresses Lioness fans after she arrives at St George’s Park More

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      The Taliban’s thrown women’s football into darkness again and those who bravely fought to play it are now wise to flee

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      DURING their previous reign of terror, the Taliban found the stadium in Kabul useful for publicly cutting off the heads of people they did not approve of.It is possible one of those heads belonged to the father of Nadia Nadim, who escaped Afghanistan with her mother and four sisters and now plays football for Paris Saint-Germain.
      Nadia Nadim previously escaped Afghanistan and now plays for PSGCredit: Rex
      The Taliban have seized control of the country which is bad news for women’s footballCredit: AP
      There was no forgiveness in the last regime.
      Neither should we expect any from this one, so it was wise of the women’s international football squad to flee in a hurry while Kabul’s airport was still open to acts of such mercy.
      They will be much, much safer hiding away in Australia although heaven help their families back home. Whichever heaven you might believe in.
      According to their version of Sharia Islamic law, Taliban men are superior beings, allowed to behave to women in ways from which baboons would shy away.
      They put up with football, just so long as it is played by men.
      The country itself is in love with cricket although I doubt if an invitation will be forthcoming to their Test team to play at Lord’s any time soon.

      Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan is rated the finest spin bowler in the world and the likelihood is the 19-year-old will be welcomed home with fondest prayers.
      He’s one of the lucky few from his country, male, relatively free and such a star he can earn a fortune playing cricket.
      Zaki Anwari will never have a shot at fame.
      An international footballer, he panicked when the West began to desert his country and was killed trying to escape by boarding a moving USAF rescue airplane.
      His desperation was a condemnation of the religious fanatics who have usurped his country.
      The treatment of other competitors was a pointer to a fear-riddled future.
      The compulsory withdrawal of two female athletes from the Paralympic Games also spoke of utter disregard for human rights today.
      Khalida Popal, who founded the women’s national soccer team, said: “All these years we have worked to raise the visibility of women and now I’m telling my women in Afghanistan to shut up and disappear.
      “Their lives are in danger.”
      ‘TALIBAN LEADERS GENERALLY HATE SPORT’
      Time and again sport has become a great leveller but Taliban leaders generally hate it.
      Speaking from Copenhagen, where she now lives, Popal added: “Female players should take urgent steps to remove all trace of their sporting history.
      “I’m calling them and telling them, take down their names, remove their identities, take down their photos for their safety.
      “Even I’m telling them to burn or get rid of your national team uniform.
      “That is painful for me, for someone as an activist who stood up and did everything possible to achieve and earn that identity as a women’s national team player.
      “To earn that badge on the chest, to have the right to play and represent our country, how much we were proud.”
      No doubt on sufferance, only a week ago the title decider in the Herat Premier Football League was held between Attack Energy Club and Herat Money Changers.
      And games were allowed by the previous Taliban regime under their own rigorous terms.
      These included wearing tracksuit bottoms or something similar.
      ‘DIFFERENT KIND OF DARKNESS’
      A visiting Pakistani team were punished for wearing shorts by having their heads shaved.
      They are likely to be more lenient with cricket and already there is talk of a T20 match against Pakistan next month.
      But it will be a different kind of darkness that stops women’s play for who knows how long.
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